A landmark decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is set to reshape the way passengers travel with pets across Europe.
Under the new ruling, pets transported by plane will now be officially classified as “baggage,” significantly altering compensation rights and airline responsibilities in case of loss or mishandling.
This change follows a high-profile case involving a dog that escaped from its carrier at Buenos Aires airport and was never recovered. The court determined that, unless a special declaration is made at check-in, pets are not considered passengers and therefore fall under the same liability rules as checked luggage.
Key Implications for Pet Owners:
- Pets are now legally classified as baggage when flying, unless a special declaration is made.
- Compensation for lost pets will be capped under standard baggage limits unless declared otherwise.
- Passengers must explicitly declare the value of their pet at check-in to ensure higher liability coverage.
- EU pet passports and animal health certificates remain mandatory for cross-border travel European Commission.
This ruling adds a new layer of responsibility for pet owners, who are now urged to familiarize themselves with airline policies and make appropriate declarations to safeguard their animals during travel.
A spokesperson from the European Commission emphasized: “While the freedom of movement for pets within the EU remains protected, this ruling clarifies the legal framework for air travel. It’s essential that passengers understand their rights and responsibilities when flying with animals.”
The ECJ’s decision is expected to prompt airlines to update their pet travel policies and educate passengers on the importance of proper documentation and declarations.
For more information on traveling with pets in the EU, including passport and health certificate requirements, visit the European Commission’s official guide European Commission.